7 Key Reasons

We’ve summarised 7 key reasons to protect Wanaka (or put another way: why Wanaka does not need and should not accept a jet-capable airport right now). There are various versions of this, depending on the level of detail you want.

Below are the seven reasons, in just a couple of words. Beneath that version is one which is a little more detailed. For those seeking deep levels of detail, we have a more detailed document online, complete with links to relevant evidence, information, research and media reports.

Please note that this page and the detailed document were launched in early March 2020, just before the impacts of COVID-19 really hit New Zealand, and before the lockdown. The 7 key reasons still stand as fundamental reasons why a jet capable airport at Wanaka is a bad idea for the Upper Clutha right now. Despite current impacts on tourism and aviation, QAC now has substantial ownership and control of Wanaka Airport, unlawfully granted by QLDC, and this means that QAC is able to move forward on development of a jet capable airport at Wanaka sometime in the future.

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The 7 Key Reasons in just a few words.

Environmental impact.

Overtourism.

Poor local democracy.

Infrastructure.

We don’t need it.

It has to be big.

Not future fit.

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The 7 Key Reasons in a little more detail.

If you want full detail, complete with background facts and links to more information, see the full version here. Otherwise, the version below is a quick and easy read.

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#1 – It would have an unacceptable impact on the environment

There’s a climate emergency at QLDC.

There are well documented concerns about the impact of tourism on the environment.

Are we really going to kill the goose that lays the golden egg, as suggested by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton?

Even worse: killing “all the geese.”

There are many recent examples of Councils and Courts having rejected airport development or expansions on environmental grounds.

Aviation emissions are significant, but the “knock-on” effect of other emissions which a jet airport would create are also massive.

The noise impacts of a jet airport are significant and far-reaching

The likely impacts of climate change on the Queenstown Lakes District are clearly documented.